Injuries have been Chelsea's biggest problem so far this season. The Blues had started the previous campaign on a high, with a top four finish as well as Club World Cup and Conference League glory. But with several key players missing, they have failed to build upon that and look to be on a downward trajectory in the beginning of the 25/26 campaign.
Fans will be hoping that Enzo Maresca's side clicks after this international break. For them to do that, their defence needs to be a lot more solid than it has been so far.
Unfortunately, a series of injuries at centre-back has left Enzo Maresca short of options in that area. Hopes were raised after a solid defensive performance from Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong against Liverpool in the first half. But then both of them picked up injuries, and had to be taken off, after the break.
There is some good news in that regard. Acheampong has already recovered from his issue and he started for the England U21s in their recent game against Moldova. Jamie Gittens also found the back of the net in that match, which is another positive for Chelsea, after the winger's slow start at Stamford Bridge following his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund this summer. Hopefully, it gives him the confidence boost he needs to kick off his Premier League career.
Chelsea handed major injury boost during international break
Acheampong has not received as many chances as he or the Chelsea fans would have liked to see him get this season. But his display against Liverpool, as long as he was on the pitch, was positive, although he still does show his age at times.
That can only go away with experience and more game time. Hopefully, Maresca is now convinced that he can deal with the big occasion and gives him more playing time moving forward.
Badiashile was even more impressive. And although his injury is not though to be a serious one either, his long history of fitness issues means that it is likely that he will take a bit longer to recover than Acheampong.
At full strength, it does feel like Chelsea have the squad to compete with some of the best in Europe. The issue is, they have a lot of players who are injury-prone or dealing with issues right now, which has left them in a bad spot.